After Sluggish Start, Americans Roll Past Venezuela, 113-69.

After being all tied up at 18 after one quarter, the USA Men’s basketball team would flip the switch outscoring the Venezuelans 95-51 the rest of the way and would win comfortably, 113-69. Five Americans scored in double figures tonight led by Paul George with 20 points off of the bench.

The Americans got off to a slow start hitting just 3-8 field goals to start the game. Things got chippy as the United States racked up fouls quickly including DeMarcus Cousins who was forced to the bench early with two fouls (Only 5 fouls permitted in International play).

The Venezuelans like to play slow and control the pace of the game often using most of the 24 second shot clock. This affected the United States early as they could not get out and run. As a result, the Americans found themselves all tied up at 18 where they committed six turnovers to go along with 10 fouls in a sloppy first quarter performance.

Many of top teams could have beat Team USA with lackluster effort they have showed today, Venezuela doesn't have the talent #RioGames